Prey: protectors of Arrasia, book 1

Chapter 15

She hadn't seen them in years. To be honest she wasn't sure if they would call the Guardians. Much like the Lords of the virtues, the Elemental guardians were an important part of their society. Working together, the 2 groups were supposed to promote peace and harmony. They were more like a dysfunctional family. There were the twins, Thalia and Lily. Thalia ruled the northern seas and the lands that lie beyond them. The Guardian of ice and snow, she was known to be cold, distant and ruthless. She rarely left the glaciers she called  home and if she did it was to speak with her twin. She had a collection of unfortunate people in her courtyard that she slowly froze to death for crossing her. she also once dated Ariana, daughter of Chaos and Guardian of fire. Lets just say it didn't work out.

Lily's best friend was her cousin Forest. The Protectors of the Fairy people and guardians of the forests, the cousins were almost always together. Forest is a Foulwraith. He was bonded to a tree at birth. Wherever she goes he follows. The 2 of them were known for trapping unsuspecting visitors in their forests and their abilities with Earth. Silvanus was the Guardian of water. He and Thalia do not get along. Ruler over the oceans and rivers, Silvanus, or Silv to his friends, spent much of his time bonding with newborn storms and choosing his own names for his beloved hurricanes. Then there was his brother Tavare, Guardian of Air and Spirit. Tavare was by far the nicest of them all, but even he had a cruel streak. Known for his ability to turn clouds into creatures, there were those who considered him the most dangerous of the six, simply because of the fact it is very difficult to fight something you can't see. Needless to say, having them all in one room was terrifying. Ricky's vampires stood in the darkness, watching with unblinking eyes. Davieon and David stood on opposite sides of the room, trying to keep the werewolves and Achievers apart. Thalia and Ariana were glaring at each other. Silvanus's eyes were on Lily. Forest was practically daring him to approach her. Tavare was making clouds into disturbing looking gargoyles. The creatures took up positions next to their master and remained still and quiet. The rest of the Squad was silent around her. Liana was at her side as was usual now. . Forest sunk a root into a pot of water and drank half of it.

Cassie turned to Jerico. He got everyone's attention before speaking. "Hello to all of you. It has been brought to our attention that Rezzeion has already targeted some of you."
Silvanus looks over at him. "My son. He threatened my son."
"I heard, Silv. How is Tivron?"
"Doing better, thank you."
Tivron smiled at her through a mouthful of skittles from beside his adoptive father. "I am glad you are well, Tivron."
Cassie relaxed as her brother casually slipped an arm around her. Jerico was always good at communicating with others. Where she sometimes struggled with figuring out the right thing to say or how to approach certain situations, Jerico was always calm and confident. He never came off as cocky or arrogant like some of the other generals they knew. He was just... approachable. "Why have you summoned us here?"
Thalia's eyes glow a dangerous indigo, a sign of anger. Cassie steps between her and Ariana. Liana steps in front of her but Cassie lays a hand on her Proctor's shoulder. "Because we also have reason to believe he is after the Elemental crystals. If he gets a hold of them he could make an empathic weapon capable of controlling all the elements."
She did not need to share with them how bad that would be. "But there are only a handful of EWM's in Arraisia. He would have to learn from one of you or capture one of you and force you to create one for him. The creation of empathic weapons can't exactly be self taught."
Salem lifted his head and met each of their eyes. "Never has it been more important for us to be united under one banner. If we stand divided Rezzeion will pick us off one by one until there is nothing left of the Kylon people. I know that some of you don't get along but we are all friends and family here. Do you think the generations to come will think of you fondly if they are slaves to the ruler of the underworld?"
They all shook their heads. Unfortunately it wasn't his or Jerico's speech that brought them all together: it was the kidnapping of one of the Guardians.

Cassie held Tivron on her lap while the young child cried for his dear father. He held Silvanus's trident in his small, shaking hands. Behind them huge waves crash against the shore. Tavare lay a gentle hand on his little nephew's head. He bent down and ruffled Tivron's hair. "Tivy?"
"Ye yes, Uncle?"
"We will get him back, little one."
Above and below them, the armies of air and water gather. Next to them Lily, Forest, Ariana and Thalia nod their agreement.